Oncology today

Trends and questions that matter

Oncology is advancing every day, from molecular diagnostics to the development of AI-driven care models. This page highlights key innovations across subspecialties, where to find answers to the most pressing oncology questions, and trending topics that are shaping the future of cancer care.

Oncology subspecialties

Innovations and challenges 

Each subspecialty in oncology is undergoing rapid transformation. Below are highlights of where innovation is accelerating, and where other oncologists are seeking new answers.

Thoracic Oncology
KRAS inhibitors, liquid biopsy, and AI-assisted imaging are reshaping NSCLC care. Oncologists are exploring how to integrate these tools into earlier lines of treatment and improve outcomes in resistant cases.

Gynecologic Oncology
The rise of PARP inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitors, and genetic testing is changing how ovarian and endometrial cancers are managed. There's growing interest in maintenance therapy strategies and fertility preservation.

Hematologic Oncology
CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and MRD (minimal residual disease) monitoring are expanding options for relapsed and refractory disease. Oncologists are navigating complex trial eligibility and reimbursement pathways.

Neuro-Oncology
Advances in molecular profiling, AI-driven diagnostics, and targeted therapies for glioblastoma are creating new treatment avenues. Multidisciplinary coordination with neurosurgery and radiation remains critical.

Pediatric Oncology
Genomic-driven protocols and survivorship care models are gaining traction, especially in rare and high-risk pediatric cancers. Oncologists are focused on long-term toxicity, psychosocial support, and transition to adult care.

Common challenges in oncology

Oncologists are constantly seeking answers to stay current with evolving treatments and navigate complex care decisions.

Below are some of the most common challenges oncologists face today. Click the links to access the full case and answers from other oncologists on Healthcasts. 

Diagnostic and exploratory questions

• What emerging biomarkers for gastric cancer may become new targets for therapy in the future?
  • 60% of practitioners say Claudin 18.2 is a key emerging biomarker.
• What are the new targeted therapy options for AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), especially for patients with FLT3 and IDH1 mutations?
  • 78% of practitioners recommend Midostaurin for FLT3 mutations. 
• What is a tried-and-true regimen for high-risk, early-stage TNBC?
  • The top recommended treatment is Keytruda. 

Treatment planning questions

• What are the latest ASCO guidelines for treating anal cancer?
  • Retifanlimab was discussed as a first-line option that recently received FDA approval for the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal. 
• Are there any emerging treatments in the pipeline for a patient with RAS mutations?
  • 76% of practitioners say KRAS and RAS inhibitors show promise.
• What immediate interventions do you recommend to treat chemotherapy overdose complications?
  •  29% of practitioners recommend IV hydration and electrolyte management. 

Practice and workflow questions

• How can I make the outpatient palliative care referral process more efficient and reduce intensive end-of-life care?
  • Practitioners recommend involving palliative care teams earlier in treatment, so patients can have vital end-of-life conversations before it's too late. 
• How can hospitals prepare for resource scarcity to prevent drug shortages or delays?
  • Practitioners recommend that hospitals be proactive in maintaining triage committees, even when not experiencing shortages.  
• Should specialists seek to collaborate to provide multidisciplinary care or speak only to their own domain?
  
  • Practitioners believe that a unified approach to care is best and helps patients understand the entire scope of the risks and benefits of suggested treatments. 

Emerging and research-oriented questions

• How should I approach the use of an oncology treatment (olaparib, in this case) beyond its indications?
  • Practitioners agree that if the benefits outweigh the risks and are supported by clinical trial data, expanding the use of olaparib beyond indications is appropriate.
• What type of genetic testing do you typically conduct upon diagnosis of GEJ adenocarcinoma?
  
  • The majority of practitioners say the primary genetic tests conducted for GEJ adenocarcinoma diagnosis include Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), PDL1, and specific markers such as HER2, MSI, and CLDN 18.2. 
• What’s the role of AI in cancer diagnostics and treatment planning?
  • Most practitioners agree that AI can lead to breaking developments in diagnosis and treatments, but should have human oversight. 

Trending topics in oncology (2025)

To provide the best care to patients, it's vital that oncologists stay up-to-date on new developments. Here are some of the most discussed and innovative topics in 2025:

1. Precision medicine

Advances in genomic sequencing and biomarker analysis are enabling highly personalized cancer treatments. Tools like DeepHRD are improving the accuracy of identifying tumors that respond to targeted therapies.

2. AI in cancer care

Artificial Intelligence is transforming oncology—from early detection and diagnosis to treatment planning and clinical trial optimization. AI models are now outperforming human experts in interpreting imaging and pathology data.

3. Drugging the undruggable

New therapies are emerging to target previously untreatable mutations, such as KRAS G12D and G12V, offering hope for patients with hard-to-treat cancers.

4. Cancer vaccines

mRNA technology is being repurposed to develop vaccines for cancers like pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer, with promising early results.

5. Cell and gene therapies

Innovations in CAR T-cell therapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and CRISPR-based gene editing are reshaping how oncologists treat aggressive and rare cancers.

Stay ahead in oncology

The pace of change in oncology is accelerating every day, and so is the need for trusted insights. From subspecialty breakthroughs to everyday clinical questions, Healthcasts helps oncologists stay informed, connected, and ready for what’s next.